The Fall of Rome

The Fall of Rome refers to the gradual decline and eventual collapse of the Western Roman Empire, traditionally marked in 476 AD when the last emperor was overthrown. Contributing factors included political instability, economic troubles, military defeats, and internal corruption. The empire faced invasions from various tribes, such as the Visigoths and Vandals, which weakened its borders. Additionally, social changes and a shift in trade patterns diminished its power. The Eastern Roman Empire, known as the Byzantine Empire, continued for nearly another thousand years, but the Western Empire's fall marked a significant shift in European history.